Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple

Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple The Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple is affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America headquartered in San Francisco.

We belong to the True Pure Land Sect of Buddhism whose home temple is the Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan. The Monterey Peninsula Buddhist temple serves the greater Monterey area with religious services, study classes, weddings, funerals and memorial services.

09/02/2026

Japanese Words, Buddhist Wisdom (Title of this NEW series has been changed!!)

“Hotoke-sama”

Hotoke-sama is a Japanese expression for Buddha. Hotoke means Buddha, while -sama expresses respect and reverence.

About 2,500 years ago, Siddhartha Gautama left his life as a prince to seek the truth of human suffering. After years of practice, he attained enlightenment and became known as Shakyamuni Buddha—the Awakened One.

Buddhism teaches that Buddha represents wisdom and compassion—wisdom that sees reality clearly and compassion that wishes no one to be left behind in suffering.

When we hear Hotoke-sama, may we remember the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha in our own lives.

In Gassho

#ほとけさま

08/26/2026

What do we really wish for?

A traditional story tells of two Jizō statues: one that grants every wish and another that simply listens. When the villagers discover the wish-granting Jizō, their desires soon turn into jealousy, resentment, and conflict.

The story reminds us that having every wish fulfilled does not necessarily bring happiness. In fact, our unchecked desires can sometimes become the very source of our suffering.

The Buddha Dharma invites us to look more deeply—not simply at what we want, but at the attachments behind our desires.

Sometimes, the greatest gift is not someone who fulfills our wishes, but someone who simply listens.

In the quiet act of being heard, we may discover something more precious than having our wishes come true.

08/20/2026

We live within limits—limited time, limited resources, and limited possibilities. When we become too conscious of these limitations, our minds can become narrow. We focus so much on what we might lose that we forget to appreciate what is already being given to us.

The Buddha Dharma offers another perspective.

Although our lives are finite, the Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion are inexhaustible. Everything is interconnected, and nothing exists in isolation.

We cannot escape the limits of our lives. But we don’t have to let those limits define the boundaries of our hearts.

To open our minds is to live within the finite while remembering the infinite.

08/13/2026

Advice from a Priest: How to Do Meditation?

Meditation is not only about becoming calm. It can also be an opportunity for self-reflection.

As we sit quietly, we may begin to notice the thoughts that repeatedly occupy our minds—especially the things that trouble us or the conflicts we have been avoiding.

Rather than forcing ourselves to stop thinking, we can simply observe those thoughts and let them come and go. Through this practice, we may see ourselves more objectively and become more honest about what we need to face.

Our first guest speaker since Rev. Murakami began his ministry with us was Rev. Yuki Himeji ( ).At our Rennyo Shonin Mem...
08/09/2026

Our first guest speaker since Rev. Murakami began his ministry with us was Rev. Yuki Himeji ( ).

At our Rennyo Shonin Memorial Service, held together with our monthly Shotsuki Memorial Service to honor our beloved ones who passed away in August, we learned about Rennyo Shonin’s great contribution through his letters, the Gosho.

In particular, Rev. Himeji introduced the passage concerning hunters and fishermen, who were regarded as sinful beings because they took the lives of animals. Rennyo Shonin, however, reminds us that no one can become a perfect being. Even when our hearts are filled with resentment, Amida Buddha embraces us with profound compassion.

We simply listen to the Buddha Dharma and encounter this great compassion. We recite the Nembutsu in response to the benevolence we receive. Through this encounter, we come to realize shinjin—the entrusting heart awakened by Amida Buddha’s boundless and unconditional compassion.

In Gassho 🙏

08/05/2026

In Japanese, the word itadaku means more than simply "to receive." It is to receive with gratitude and respect.

Every gift carries more than what we see. A meal includes the hands that prepared it. A ride includes someone's time and effort. A letter includes careful thought and sincere intention.

When we recognize these unseen acts of kindness, receiving becomes more than accepting an object—it becomes a heartfelt connection between the giver and the receiver. Perhaps itadaku is our way to respond as "receipt of the heart," acknowledging, "I have gratefully received your kindness."

May we learn to appreciate not only what is visible, but also the countless invisible gifts that enrich our lives every day.

07/29/2026

Life doesn't always require us to push harder. Sometimes, what we need most is simply a little space.

When we become attached to the idea we should be, things can turn into a source of stress. Buddhism reminds us that suffering often arises not from our responsibilities themselves, but from our attachment to illusions.

When life feels overwhelming, try asking yourself:

• Do I need to do this right now?
• Is this truly necessary?
etc.

A brief pause can help us distinguish what is truly important from what merely feels urgent.

May you create a little space in your heart today. In that quiet moment, you may rediscover clarity, gratitude, and the peace to take your next step 🙏

In Gassho,

07/23/2026

Sometimes the simplest words carry the deepest meaning.

Two friends always said, “See you later.” But after graduation, their lives followed different paths. Years later, they realized how far apart those paths had taken them.

Our lives are much the same. When we live only for ourselves, we gradually become isolated. But when we reflect on ourselves and sincerely seek what is true, we naturally meet others walking in the same direction.

In Buddhism, the path is not about competing with one another—it is about growing together. Those who seek the truth may begin from different places, but they ultimately share the same path and the same goal.

May we walk a path that brings us to the truth🙏

In Gassho,

Joy, smiles, and new experiences. 💛The 77th Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Obon Festival was a wonderful success!Thr...
07/13/2026

Joy, smiles, and new experiences. 💛

The 77th Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple Obon Festival was a wonderful success!

Throughout the day, the line of visitors never seemed to end, and we were delighted to welcome guests not only from our local community but also from across California and even other states.

As hosts, the greatest joy for us was witnessing so many meaningful moments—families and friends reconnecting, first-time visitors discovering a new culture and tradition, and people creating cherished memories together through the spirit of Obon.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this celebration so special. We hope this festival was more than just a day of fun. May it become the beginning of a lasting connection with our temple community.

Although we are a small temple, we remain committed to sharing the timeless values of the Buddha's teachings: gratitude, compassion, and the joy of community. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.

In Gassho

（日本語はこちら）

喜び、笑顔、そして新たな出会い。 💛

第77回モントレー半島仏教会お盆祭りは、多くの皆さまのおかげで盛況のうちに終えることができました。

当日は途切れることなく多くの方々にお越しいただき、地域の皆さまはもちろん、カリフォルニア各地、さらには州外からもご来場くださいました。

主催者として、ご来場の皆さまが楽しい時を過ごせた様子を拝見できて、大変うれしく思います。

このお盆祭りのご縁が、お祭りだけで終わることなく、これからもお寺とのつながりへと育まれていくことを願っています。

私たちは小さな寺院ではありますが、感謝と思いやり、そして人と人とのつながりを大切にする仏さまの教えを、これからも次の世代へ伝えてまいります。

また皆さまとお会いできる日を、心より楽しみにしております。

合掌

07/08/2026

Obon is a time to remember our ancestors and express gratitude for all who have supported our lives.

Its origin is traced to the story of Mokuren, a Shakyamuni’s disciple who sought to save his mother from a suffering realm. Following the Buddha’s guidance, he made offerings to the sangha, and, through his action, his mother was liberated. Filled with great joy, Mokuren began to dance in his expression of rejoicing for his mother, which eventually became today’s Bon Odori.

In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, this story points to our own limitations from the figure of Mokuren’s mother. As bombu who are ordinary beings occupied by innate self-centeredness, we inevitably create caseus for suffering. For them, Amida Buddha appeared to guide and eventually lead them to ultimate peace. Awakening to this unconditional compassion naturally gives rise to gratitude and joy. For this reason, Jodo Shinshu also refers to Obon as Kangi-e, the “Gathering of Joy.”

May this Obon festival be a place where everyone shares the joy with each other.

In Gassho,

Address

1155 Noche Buena Street
Seaside, CA
93955

Opening Hours

10am - 11am

Telephone

+18313940119

Website

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